Ref 6 Heat

[mulveling]

Just got one of these; really beautiful looking and sounding preamp! And coming from a Rogue Audio preamp (Hera w/ motorized stepped attenuator), the remote is a dream to use.

That said, it's obviously a difficult unit to place within a typical audiophile setup. The manual wasn't kidding about needing "6-8 inches" of vertical clearance. Most units do fine with 3-4 inches of vertical, and open on all sides -- which is typical for an audiophile rack (turntable goes on top!).

In particular, the lucite cover seems to be a problem -- it's awesome to see inside, but this top insulates heat, and reacts to the top of the very hot 6550 in close proximity. With all the attention to detail here, I find it odd that this element got away. Sure, specify 8 inches clearance in the manual, but now a 1 box preamp takes up the space of 2 large components, when space is at a high premium in expensive audiophile racks.

How many of you Ref 6 users have grappled with this issue, and what was your solution? I've resorted to running with the top off (hands won't be going near the unit in operation), which helps immensely in heat dissipation. I wish that ARC supplied a metal cover, with larger cutouts over the 6550!

[Alki]

I have a Ref 40 and just have them sitting at the top of two racks and moved all other components down. Seemed like the easiest solution. Also with both units on top I can (and do) admire the innards.

Have seen individuals rig up fans but I am just not that handy.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by Alki

I have a Ref 40 and just have them sitting at the top of two racks and moved all other components down. Seemed like the easiest solution. Also with both units on top I can (and do) admire the innards.

Have seen individuals rig up fans but I am just not that handy.

These are both excellent suggestions. I own the Reference 10 preamp and have eight inches of clearance for both of its boxes. ARC makes a slotted metal cover for the both the REF6 and REF10 that can be used if less than the recommended clearance is being provided that will not warp like the lucite one from the extra heat.

Best,
Ken

[The Trace]

I have a 6 and the heat is not a problem on mine. I do run a small fan in the armoire in which my set-up resides. The plastic top is supposedly for sound quality. However my 5SE had the same top material and it warped/bubbled over the 6550. They responded by sending me a metal top free. Check it out.

[tweet]

Mike,
Congratulations on the Audio Research Ref 6.

[RLF]

I upgraded from a Ref 5SE to Ref 6 awhile back. The Ref 5SE sat on a large space in the middle my audio rack. I found that the Ref 6 puts out a good deal more heat than my previous 5SE, so my solution was to move it to the top of my audio rack to dissipate heat better. Like the other poster said above, I can also now admire its inside. It also makes getting to the tubes easier for changing without having to remove the preamp from my audio rack.

Congratulations on getting your new Ref 6. It's a great preamp in my opinion.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by mulveling

Just got one of these; really beautiful looking and sounding preamp! And coming from a Rogue Audio preamp (Hera w/ motorized stepped attenuator), the remote is a dream to use.

That said, it's obviously a difficult unit to place within a typical audiophile setup. The manual wasn't kidding about needing "6-8 inches" of vertical clearance. Most units do fine with 3-4 inches of vertical, and open on all sides -- which is typical for an audiophile rack (turntable goes on top!).

In particular, the lucite cover seems to be a problem -- it's awesome to see inside, but this top insulates heat, and reacts to the top of the very hot 6550 in close proximity. With all the attention to detail here, I find it odd that this element got away. Sure, specify 8 inches clearance in the manual, but now a 1 box preamp takes up the space of 2 large components, when space is at a high premium in expensive audiophile racks.

How many of you Ref 6 users have grappled with this issue, and what was your solution? I've resorted to running with the top off (hands won't be going near the unit in operation), which helps immensely in heat dissipation. I wish that ARC supplied a metal cover, with larger cutouts over the 6550!

The lucite cover makes no difference to the sound. Actually the steel cover provides better shielding from EMI/RFI. I would get the steel cover from ARC - the Ref 5SE I purchased last year came with one.

[The Trace]

Originally Posted by mulveling

Just got one of these; really beautiful looking and sounding preamp! And coming from a Rogue Audio preamp (Hera w/ motorized stepped attenuator), the remote is a dream to use.

That said, it's obviously a difficult unit to place within a typical audiophile setup. The manual wasn't kidding about needing "6-8 inches" of vertical clearance. Most units do fine with 3-4 inches of vertical, and open on all sides -- which is typical for an audiophile rack (turntable goes on top!).

In particular, the lucite cover seems to be a problem -- it's awesome to see inside, but this top insulates heat, and reacts to the top of the very hot 6550 in close proximity. With all the attention to detail here, I find it odd that this element got away. Sure, specify 8 inches clearance in the manual, but now a 1 box preamp takes up the space of 2 large components, when space is at a high premium in expensive audiophile racks.

How many of you Ref 6 users have grappled with this issue, and what was your solution? I've resorted to running with the top off (hands won't be going near the unit in operation), which helps immensely in heat dissipation. I wish that ARC supplied a metal cover, with larger cutouts over the 6550!

Just got a response from ARC. A new top cover is on the way. They responded with a couple questions and what was the case finish. Easy, to the point, non-accusatory. Just about perfect.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by The Trace

Just got a response from ARC. A new top cover is on the way. They responded with a couple questions and what was the case finish. Easy, to the point, non-accusatory. Just about perfect.

Awesome! I love ARC.

[The Trace]

The new metal top arrived yesterday. No complaints. Will solve all problems. ARC comes through!!!